Well, the verdict is still out on this one and I’m not sure that having piles of paper and stacks of stuff around makes you more productive. I know for me, that a clean desk is a calm mind and I’m less distracted and more focused on the task at hand. But on the other hand, if a messy desk can lead to make employees more productive, than maybe there is a lesson to be learned here. So I stuck my neck out on this one, held my breath and waited for your response.
What’s your threshold for clutter?
For the past 25 years, I’ve worked with 1000’s of business owners, executives and employees who range from being very creative, spontaneous, most things last-minute to clean desk, highly organized and looking for ways to improve their systems even more (they don’t like to waste time). What I know to be true is everyone has a different threshold and tolerance for the amount of clutter and chaos they allow to pile up on their desk, in their homes, and in their life. When they hit the breaking point, they call me for help.
Cookie-cutter solutions don’t stick
Another lesson I’ve learned as a Productivity and Organizing Consultant is there’s no one-size fits-all solution to organization and time management. That’s the reason all my products, programs and hands-on services are personalized to the way you think, function, and use your environment. I will share several ways to organize something and you decide what works best for you and then personalize it. No cookie-cutter solutions here!
It’s about the journey
The truth is, organizing is also a journey (which we really don’t like to hear) and in the process we all learn about ourselves, our habits, our choices, and we grow as a person expanding our skill base and knowledge. It’s our choices that determine our reality. Let’s be realistic here, the piles didn’t magically happen overnight, and they won’t magically disappear by the wave of a magic wand. As much as I’d like to wave a magic wand and make all the piles and chaos go away, keeping your desk clean of stacks and piles takes daily maintenance. Just like your clothes won’t magically pick themselves up off the floor and hang themselves on hangers in your closet, or the dishes in the sink won’t wash themselves. The same is true with getting and staying organized, and achieving your dreams and goals – it’s about choices and taking action.
Also, there are foundational best practices and systems that need to be in place to effectively run a business or household, otherwise you’ll be:
- Wasting precious and valuable time looking for things
- Losing money on missed opportunities and duplicate purchases, and
- More than likely, unfocused and not as productive as you could be
Time-tested Productivity and Organizing Solutions
Before I recommend any products, systems and processes, apps, software or referrals, I personally test and use everything myself. For software, apps and all things technical, it must pass the strict scrutiny of my technical team. After it’s passed all our tests on ease of use, functionality, durability, esthetics and so on, then we share the productivity tools and organizing systems with you. We take our job seriously because we know that you put your trust in us and our recommendations.
So when I read this interesting article written by Rob Waugh “Messy desks in the office can actually lead employees to think more clearly, say researchers” my thought was to put this research to the test myself and get your feedback. Even though there was some hesitation on my part at first to share this article, I thought who better to provide feedback than my clients, customers, and followers.
The comments came back on my Facebook Page that a clean desk is preferred to be more productive and confirms what I’ve been training and implementing over the past decade. The reason I started my business back in 2001, was I realized not everyone has the natural organizing skills that I was born with and I’ve learned how to pass those skills onto others. So, my purpose in life is to serve others with my gift of organization, to be fully alive and present, to love and appreciate others and to learn and share my gifts, so that I inspire others to live more fully and make a greater difference today. I’ve seen the results of helping a mother who’s very creative, frantic, anxious and always last-minute learn organizing skills to calm the chaos in her personal life, household and family. Then pass on the organizing skills to her kids. It’s life-changing on so many levels. And, as a result of getting her life and home organized, it gave her the freedom to live her purpose and make a huge impact in the world today!
What’s your preference? Messy Desk or Clean?
If a messy desk and piles of stuff works for you, then that’s ok, we’ll set up systems that work for you and purge a little in the process. If a clean desk and a clear and focused mind is what you want, then we’ll close the gaps and create systems that work for you too. Either way, it’s all about you and how you want to use your time, space and life to make a greater difference in the world.
On a personal note, thank you allowing me to share my passions and gifts with you. I truly want the best for you and your families. Now it’s your turn to post your comments below.